Boston Red Sox - PlayerWatch

June 08, 2012|Reuters

OF Daniel Nava did it again. With every game, the compliments keep mounting for Nava, who wasn't invited to major league camp by the Red Sox but has been a savior since being recalled last month from Class AAA Pawtucket. Batting leadoff Thursday night against the Orioles, Nava went 2-for-3 with a two-run single and two walks in Boston's 7-0 victory. Since June 1, he has reached base in 17 of his last 30 plate appearances, and in 27 games since being called up from Pawtucket, he has a .385 on-base percentage. "That was an absolutely complete game," manager Bobby Valentine said. "He walked, he hit, he broke up double plays, he made that catch against the wall. I'm appreciating his effort."

LF Carl Crawford said he would begin a throwing program Friday to test the sprained ligament in his left elbow. Crawford hasn't played a game yet this season. He was expected to miss most of the season's first month after undergoing wrist surgery in January. He's fully recovered from that procedure, but Crawford injured his elbow while throwing as part of his rehabilitation. He has been taking batting practice daily, but the truest test of the health of his elbow will come when he resumes throwing. The Red Sox intend to closely monitor Crawford's throwing program, steadily increasing the distance. Once he's able to make throws from left field to second base, he will progress to a minor league rehab assignment. The Red Sox remain hopeful he will be able to play by the All-Star break.

1B Adrian Gonzalez notched three hits Thursday night, a sign that perhaps he's emerging from his two-month funk. Gonzalez took two pitches before delivering a bases-loaded, two-run double in the first inning against Orioles LHP Brian Matusz. He added a leadoff single in the third inning and a single to center field in the seventh. "I've been feeling comfortable, I guess, since that first day in Toronto," said Gonzalez, dropped to sixth in the batting order for the past two games to give the Red Sox more balance against Baltimore LHPs Wei-Yin Chen and Brian Matusz. "It doesn't have to do with anything else. It's just finding holes."

RHP Daniel Bard reported to Class AAA Pawtucket on Thursday and expressed his disappointment with the Red Sox's decision to send him to the minors. "It's not my decision. I'm just an employee here," Bard told reporters. "Obviously, I'm not thrilled with it. If it was me making the decision, it might've been different. But I tried to be respectful about it. Once I get the anger and disappointment out of the way, you just have to try to make the best out of the situation." Bard is expected to make a one-inning start Friday for Pawtucket as he attempts to retool his mechanics. He's 5-6 with a 5.24 ERA over 11 games (10 starts) for the Red Sox, and he has struggled badly with his control over the past month.

RHP Clay Buchholz continued his revival with a 125-pitch shutout, allowing four hits and a walk in a 7-0 win over Baltimore. He fanned six.

OF Ryan Kalish has homered in each of his first two rehab games for Class AAA Pawtucket, going a combined 4-for-5 with four RBI. He previously went a combined 6-for-21 (.286) with one homer for Class A Salem and Class AA Portland. Kalish has been on the disabled list all season after having right shoulder surgery in November.